Victims’ Experiences of SmartWater in Domestic Abuse Cases

SmartWater was highly recommended by participants and viewed as essential for victims of domestic abuse.

Reports

Summary

SmartWater has recently been used in some domestic abuse cases to help victims feel safer and deter offenders from approaching victims and their property. It is delivered in various forms and transfers onto an offender when they approach the victim or try to access property illegally. If an offender is marked by SmartWater, this can be used as evidence in court. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of victims who have used SmartWater products.

Key findings

1. SmartWater was highly recommended by participants and viewed as essential for victims of domestic abuse.
2. Victims report feeling significantly safer when using SmartWater products.
3. Nearly all participants felt SmartWater had a positive impact on mental well-being and quality of life.
4. SmartWater was reported by victims as a key deterrent to offenders.
5. Only a small minority of victims have been contacted by offenders since using SmartWater.
6. Of those offenders, most changed their approach, which victims credited to SmartWater.
7. Participants reported a significant increase in confidence and trust in police since using SmartWater.
8. Participants reported a higher level of confidence in possible future prosecution.

Report date: August 2022.

Research conducted by Kate Whitfield, Charlotte Coleman, Adam Bates (Sheffield Hallam University), Shelley Hemsley (South Yorkshire Police), Lee Berry (West Yorkshire Police) & Louise Almond (University of Liverpool)  For further information please contact Dr Kate Whitfield by email (K.Whitfield@shu.ac.uk).